Now, I was taking calls from the same stations about Brandons death.. . "I . A coda sums up the impact of Brandons life: the programs, scholarships and so forth established in his name. Marty Burlsworth Discusses Brandon Burlsworth's Nomination for the CFB Hall of Fame Class of 2021 Marty Burlsworth Discusses Brandon Burlsworth's Nomination for the CFB Hall of Fame Class of. He spent as many days as he could in the weight room getting stronger. The Official Website of the Southeastern Conference. And Ill get a photo of you in your uniform. Sign-up for E-NewsletterGet Register Updates sent daily or weeklyto your inbox. French Monastery Survives War and Famine After 885 Years, the Basilica of St. Ambrose in Milan, and More Great Links! The voices of faith, hope and trust or the voices of doubt, disbelief and despair?. Especially after it was all over and, you know, that was bad times. Harrison, Arkansas, United States. When he set his mind to something, you better believe you were going to witness him do it. Brandon's passionate yet painful faith story is now captured in a film called "Greater" which is inspired by the book written about the life of number 77. There are about 11,000 people in town and one unspoken rule: If it's Friday night, you're going to the Harrison High football game. After the draft, he spoke to me a lot about helping other kids in Harrison. She enjoys singing on the worship team at church, riding motorcycles with her husband, photography, and scrapbooking. Finally, in the third round Brandon answered the phone and gave us the thumbs-up. is 61 years old today because Marty's birthday is on 11/13/1960. In the end, Brandon got invited to be a walk-on. Man, you might get to play at the next level., Ah, I dont know, I just gotta focus on this season.. I was high as a kite. Third, its beautifully and atmospherically shot by director David Hunt and cinematographer Gabe Mayan. How is the dynamic in reality versus how its shown in the film? Brian Reindl, writer and producer of "Greater," said he loved the opportunity to tell such an incredible story in his first-ever production. I didnt mean to dismiss Moms concerns, but I just figured there was some sort of reason or explanation. Was there anything that you had to do for yourself spiritually or emotionally to prepare for the making of this movie? Technical Specs, See agents for this cast & crew on IMDbPro, executive producer / producer (produced by), Managing Director: My Spotlight Independent & MY Production, hair stylist: additional photography / makeup artist: additional photography, second second assistant director (as Izzy Cowell), assistant stunt coordinator / stunt performer, casting director: Arkansas / extras casting / local casting, assistant to composer / music preparation, driver / driver: cast / production driver, production accountant (as Andrew Grey Johnson), very special thanks: the fayetteville volunteer fire department, very special thanks: the arkansas state film commission, special thanks (as Sheriff Steve Grundek), special thanks (as Pastor Ervin Hutchinson), special thanks (as Prinicpal Bill Keaster), special thanks (as Coach Norman Mitchell), very special thanks: the university of arkansas and the university athletic department. "It was a passion project for everyone who was involved," actor Neal McDonough told CBN News. I can only hope I did as much as I could to help him. "I was interested," he said of those early calls from Hollywood. You know, Brandon, you could think about entering the draft. He is most famous for his college football career at the University of Arkansas. Those were offensive lineman Brandon Burlsworths trademark, and they were prominent even behind the facemask of his Arkansas Razorbacks helmet. It was just one of those things when its time, its time. Brandons family and friends came together to form the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation in his honor. Brandons number 77 became one of only two numbers retired in Arkansas Razorback football history. After working 11 years on his Brandon Burlsworth biopic Greater, Reindl is within days of seeing his dream project open on 400 to 450 screens across the Southeast, Midwest and Southwest next week.. Burlsworth was an All-American football player for the University of Arkansas, who died tragically in an automobile . In 1998 he was selected for the College Football All-America Team and became the first player from Arkansas to be selected for College Football All-America Team since 1993. People were swinging by all day. So before he started his senior year, I started working on getting my certification. In the award's twelfth year, the Trophy is named in honor of Brandon Burlsworth, former University of Arkansas Walk . An expression that implied do it the correct way, in any event, when nobody is looking. Brandon was the kind of guy you win with.. She is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the foundation and has been with the BBF since 2010. I kept gaming out who was left. I used to want the longest life, perfect health and happiness, but really it is that feeling that I am so glad that this isnt all there is and that we have heaven to wait for, and that well be with Jesus, and there will be no more tears Amber VanVickle (1982-2023), The headquarters of the charity, which serves as a consecrated family to 46 disabled children, were badly damaged in major flooding near Rio de Janeiro last year. And I was equally impressed with Missy, his wife [They] live in Fayetteville and they drove over to Harris to meet with us and she said Whatever he sets his mind to, he gets done that resonates with me because that was like Brandon. It just seemed like it was just a storybook thingwith a at that time just seemed like a bad ending Its such a great story, how can it be told, you know? She started her career with Century 21 and then joined Jerry Jackson as he opened his office in 2001. Not good at all. So we really did have a good comfort level with them plus the agreement with Brian and them having the movie made was that the family would have some say so if something wasnt just right as far as the script goes and things like that and theyve kept us in the loop all along. Marty's wife, Vickie is also available to speak when their schedule allows. There he is, 300 pounds, and he just runs down this linebacker. And then apparently that thought process was also out there in California we did hear from some that approached us but one thing I wasnt 100 percent sure [of] was the commitment level over there which was why when Reindls wife said [when] he sets his mind to it, he gets it done, you know, Ive always heard that in Hollywood [scripts] can sit on the shelf forever. 2023 John Corbett stars in a remarkable faith-based film, based on a true story, about a dying Tennessee church transformed by an encounter with refugees. Brian Reindl is a real estate developer by trade, but a filmmaker by passion. It was composed and produced by Brian Reindl and David Hunt. | The family respectfully declined. I tried bringing it up to him again. Nick Searcy plays an unnamed character who chats with Marty about the apparent absurdity of existence, and their discussion is a bold and unusual move, even a genre-bending move. With The Aid Of Marty Burlsworth. Follow him on Twitter. Director David Hunt (from left) poses Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2016, with producer Brian Reindl, and Marty Burlsworth, brother of Brandon Burlsworth, during a red carpet event ahead of the premiere of . Marty speaks nationwide on developing character and overcoming adversity. The foundation, established in 1999, has several programs that serve children in Arkansas and around the country. I never used to worry before Brandon died. If it meant going over to Moms house to help him with homework, I wanted to be there. He graduated from high school in 1994 and was recruited as a football player for the University of Arkansas. Greater may not be in Rudys league cinematically, but Burlsworth was a far more gifted player than Daniel Rudy Ruettiger. It just takes some time. We didnt expect Brandon to go real high, and we had been told that he wouldnt. Some of his teammates have since told me how red his face would be during practice, how hard he went, how he never gave up. Marty Burlsworth Discusses Brandon Burlsworth's Nomination for the CFB Hall of Fame Class of 2021 Toggle header content Even his peers saw an innocent kid who just didn't understand why he couldn't make it in college football, and certainly not the NFL. All of Razorback nation mourned along with the shell-shocked residents of his Boone County hometown; after everything he'd overcome to reach all-America status, it seemed impossible even death itself had the power to stop him. The latest videos from KNWA FOX24. near you, Up-to-date reports of crimes near Marty Burlsworth knew it even as he struggled to understand the horrific ending. His faith, his family and his football, in that order. 77 is one of just two numbers retired in the history of Arkansas football. Barbara Burlsworth has been in real estate since 1997. And if Brandon was doing whatever he could on the field, then I sure as heck would do whatever I could to help get my brother there. It was disappointing, but Brandon wanted to go to Arkansas more than anything and, well, he didnt want any regrets. Hed call me or Id call him and we would talk about what practice was like that day. It had this outdoor patio that you could stand on and look down on the field. The family respectfully declined. By that point he was about six-foot-two, over 200 pounds and still growing. And the only thing bigger than high school football in Harrison or anywhere else in Arkansas is Razorback football. For the next three years, Brandon started for the Razorbacks. Greater has three surprises, which is three more than most faith-based films, particularly of the inspirational sports-movie variety. Burlsworth Trophy Announces Nominees. But as good as he was, Brandon was also a late bloomer he was only 17 his senior year and he was still a little undersized for college ball. This life demanded a movie. 77), who was killed in a car accident days after being drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in 1999. I wanted everything for Brandon, and within a few moments, it had all been taken away. EWTN News, Inc. is the worlds largest Catholic news organization, comprised of television, radio, But I remember going back to churchclose after the accident and after the death had settled a little bit. Brandon knew what it was like to be doubted, to be told you werent good enough. Brandon isnt a very interesting character, but hes a likable one. Named an All-American in 1998, he was drafted in 1999 by the Indianapolis Colts in the third round 11 days before being killed in a vehicular accident. Evelyn Allen started as the Development and Social Media Director for the foundation in March of 2020. Caveat Spectator: Football roughness; some language; some thematic elements including alcoholism and religious questioning. In 2007, she and her son Marty ventured out to open Burlsworth and Associates. A couple of weeks before Brandon left for school, one of the Arkansas coaches called me. Theres no explanation for it. Marty and Vickie both have recorded multiple interviews on podcasts across the nation. I was just so proud of him. However, even from a young age, Brandon Burlsworth (Christopher Severio) knew in his heart he would one day play college football for the Arkansas Razorbacks, and dedicated his life to making a difference for himself and his teammates. That first year has been put into the way it comes off on screen his feelings and the way hes taking it and I mean it was a rough time and anyone thats had a family member thats passed unexpectedly or too soon can relate to that. His thick black glasses and resemblance to comedian Drew Carey gave him a unique look. Locations and showtimes are available onwww.greaterthemovie.com. (as David Hunt) (directed by) Writing Credits Cast (in credits order) complete, awaiting verification Produced by Music by Stephen Endelman . Hed be very humbled that parents would want to bring their kids to see this movie., Copyright 1995 - On the way there, Burlsworth died an unthinkable death that shook the entire state. Some of that was a little bit of filmmaking andwe were fine with it. Release Dates Perhaps Martys favorite play from Brandons college career is one that occurred in the same game as the play he would most like to forget. Burlsworth graduated in 1998 from the University of Arkansas with a degree in Business Administration. There are few actors in Hollywood brave enough to wear their Catholic faith on . Unassuming, devout and a little dense, he never drinks, never swears and never takes anything personally. arkansas football. Trust. Copyright 2023 EWTN News, Inc. All rights reserved. EIN 27-4581132 Now, more than ever, with the success of GREATER, he enjoys meeting the fans of his brother Brandon and encouraging others to Do it the Burls Way. podcast interviews Marty and Vickie both have recorded multiple interviews on podcasts across the nation. Marty Burlsworth, 55, and who was 38 when Brandon died, says they were approached by Hollywood about making a film around Brandon's story many years ago. News. Greater is a very emotional movie and it deals with figuring out your faith in times of grief and loss. This has been a pretty big year for me tra. Greater reflects that relentless energy we need in order to be the best people we can and, at times, to push further than anyone suspects we can go. By using BiJog.com you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Opposing teams made game plans just to handle Brandon. But before all that, Brandon made one last trip to Fayetteville to visit with his Razorbacks teammates. View Marty Burlsworth's record in Harrison, AR including current phone number, address, relatives, background check report, and property record with Whitepages. On Aug. 26, the movie about his life, Greater, opens nationwide. When the pandemic started, I guess we all needed to find hobbies to help us pass the time. For me, it was reading. He slept either in his little room at his mother's house or at his brother Marty's, to be close to his three nephews.